What to do in a Dental Emergency

Toothache

First, using warm water, rinse your mouth out thoroughly. Then remove any bits of food wedged between your teeth with dental floss. If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Never put aspirin on the inflamed area. See your dentist as soon as you can.

Chipped or broken tooth

Using warm water, try to rinse out as much dirt as possible. Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth or cheek to keep the swelling down and see a dentist immediately.

Knocked out tooth

First, try to stick the tooth back in place and hold it there while you rush to see the dentist. If that is impossible, put the tooth in a container of milk (or water) and take it and the patient to the dentist.

Badly bitten lip or tongue

Press a clean cloth against the bitten spot to control the bleeding. If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress. If bleeding continues, go to a hospital emergency department.

Something stuck between teeth

First, try using dental floss, very gently and carefully, to remove the object. Never poke between your teeth with a pin or similar sharp, pointy object; it can cut your gums or scratch the tooth surface. If you can't get the obstruction out, see your dentist.

Lost filling

Temporarily protect your tooth from exposure by sticking a piece of chewing gum into the cavity preferably sugarless; sugar will probably cause pain.) See a dentist as soon as possible.

1 This information was obtained from the CDA.

If none of these apply, or if you simply have a question, please feel free to contact our office at (613) 733-5190. Please leave a message and someone will return your call shortly.